Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths

Sandy and shingle beaches, lonely marshland, myriad tidal creeks and charming seaside villages are just a few of the fascinating characteristics of the Suffolk and Essex Coast and Heaths National Landscape – an area of outstanding natural beauty that stretches from Oulton Broad, near Lowestoft, to Maldon, in Essex. Expansive skies and far-reaching seascapes lie in wait at Southwold, Dunwich and West Mersea. Intricate inlets and tidal islets form the backdrop to the walks at Orford, where there are relics of a Cold War listening station, and Maldon, site of a fearsome Viking battle. Salt marsh and peaceful, lazily meandering riversides can be followed at Aldeburgh and Orford.

Near Lowestoft, Oulton Broad is the southernmost of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads, the walk here treading the Angles Way around the wetland nature reserve of Carlton Marshes. At Dunwich, discover the story of the city that was claimed by the sea and venture across the heathland common behind the beach. You can stroll in the parkland at Sutton Hoo, site of Britain’s richest Anglo-Saxon burial, to fine views over the River Deben; while in Dedham Vale, the walk visits several of the Stour Valley sites captured by John Constable in his most famous paintings. From historic Colchester, there’s a fine station-to-station walk along the River Colne to Wivenhoe.